Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts, a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious, velvety garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an elegant meal for guests, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience with simple ingredients and easy steps. The golden-seared chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, making every bite irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread, the sauce enhances every bite, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Perfectly Seared Chicken: The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, locking in its juices and creating a deliciously crisp exterior.
- Rich and Creamy Garlic Sauce: A blend of garlic, cream, and herbs creates a velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and simple cooking steps, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
This creamy garlic chicken will become a staple in your kitchen, delivering restaurant-worthy flavors without the hassle.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
To create this rich and flavorful dish, you’ll need simple yet high-quality ingredients that come together for a perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Chicken Breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and juicy result. Pound them slightly for even cooking.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is key to infusing the sauce with its deep, aromatic flavor. Use whole cloves for a milder taste or minced garlic for a more intense flavor.
- Butter & Olive Oil – A combination of butter and olive oil ensures a golden sear on the chicken while adding richness to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Provides depth to the sauce and enhances the savory notes of the dish.
- Heavy Cream – The star ingredient for a luscious, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a slightly salty and nutty flavor to elevate the creaminess of the sauce.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, and Italian Herbs) – A blend of simple seasonings enhances the natural flavors of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley – For a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe comes together easily in just a few steps. Here’s how to create this delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home:
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Lightly pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the garlic cloves (whole or minced). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a smooth sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Add the seared chicken back to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is rich and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for added color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts
Cooking time for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts depends on the size and thickness of the chicken. Ensuring the chicken is cooked thoroughly while keeping it juicy is key to achieving the best results.
- Thin Chicken Breasts (½ inch thick) – Cook for 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat, then simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes.
- Medium Chicken Breasts (¾ inch thick) – Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, followed by 5-7 minutes in the sauce.
- Thick Chicken Breasts (1 inch or more) – Sear for 6-7 minutes per side, then let them simmer for 8-10 minutes in the sauce until fully cooked.
For accuracy, use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This dish reheats beautifully and can be stored for later use. Follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerator – Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freezer – Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Pound the Chicken Evenly – This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dryness.
- Use Fresh Garlic – The flavor of fresh garlic is unmatched, adding depth and richness to the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Always check with a thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
- Let the Sauce Thicken – Simmering the sauce for a few minutes allows it to reach the perfect creamy consistency.
- Enhance with Extra Flavors – Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
What are the best side dishes for this recipe?
This creamy garlic chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.


Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender, golden-seared chicken in a rich and velvety garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner, this recipe is easy to make and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half for even cooking)
- 4 garlic cloves (whole or minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic
- In the same pan, add the garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken slightly.
- Simmer the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and serve warm with your favorite sides.